The 12 things to do in Cesky Krumlov

Are you going to Prague? Enjoy it to visit Cesky Krumlov, another pass of the Czech Republic!

What to do in Cesky Krumlov? You will be surprised by everything that this city of Bohemian South can offer you. Founded at the end of the 12th century, on the banks of the Vltava, it preserved many of its medieval buildings. In the old town, classified as World Heritage of Humanity, you can admire several architectural styles, covering a period from the 14th to the 12th century. We take you to discover the 12 essential things to do in Cesky Krumlov.

1. Visit Sternberg Castle

It is the uncontournable of any visit of Cesky Krumlov. This imposing building visible from far is a true wonder of the Renaissance. The foundations date back to the 13th century, but it was between the 16th and 18th that it took its present appearance. Courses and gardens are available free of charge. You can climb in the tower for a few euros. This will give you a great overview of the city.

The visit of the various parts of the castle can take several hours, as it is vast. You also have the choice between three guided tours: Renaissance lounges, 19th or theatre apartments. Note, however, that it is not possible to visit Cesky Krumov Castle between November and April.

2. Walking around the old town

What to do in Cesky Krumlov? Just walk around his old town. Nestled in a loop the Vltava , the heart of the city is a maze of paved alleys, full of buildings. Visit the Place de la Concorde ( Náměstí Svornosti ), flanked by its 16th century city hotel. The Peste column ( Mariánský sloupek ) sits in its centre.

Then walk the alleys to discover buildings decorated with mould and paintings. Finish by the church of Saint-Guy. To make the most of this, don’t hesitate to take a guided tour.

3. Discover the pictures of the workshop Seidel

Josef Seidel and his son František were famous photographers from the early twentieth century. They took a large amount of clichés from Cesky Krumlov and surrounding villages, focusing on the lives of the inhabitants. Many are exhibited in the museum dedicated to them. It is a good way to learn about the living conditions at that time.

You will also discover the history of photography and the various techniques used in the beginnings. It is open daily during the summer season and is closed Monday between October and March.

4. Retrouver son soul d’enfant au musée des marionnettes

What do Cesky Krumlov do with children? A visit to the puppet museum is required, and it will delight both the young and the great. A few steps from the old town, the old church of Saint-Jost was transformed into a museum dedicated to this art.

The interior decor of the church is already worth visiting, but these hundreds of old puppets will impress you. You can see puppet scenes from the 19th century, and even complete theatres. Contemporary works from the Prague Puppet Museum are also part of the collections.

Be careful, you could go back with a copy after passing through the adjoining store!

5. Make a sporting journey

Visiting Cesky Krumlov is also enjoying the pleasures of water. You will be able to exercise and get an original view of the city by fishing on the Vltava River. It is possible to rent canoes, and even inflatable rafts.

The less adventurous will be content with a boat trip. If you prefer the farmland, rent a bike or a Segway and take the bike paths. You can enjoy it to discover the surrounding countryside.

6. Take a trip to the area

What to do in the vicinity of Cesky Krumlov? La Bohème is a region that lacks charm. Many organizations offer excursions from Cesky Krumlov, but you can also rent a car to make a 130 km loop, for example.

It will include the small village of Hořice na Šumavě, the monastery of Vyšší Brod and the city of České Budějovice. The latter has one of the largest squares in Europe and is the seat of Budvar beer manufacturing. Also think about getting oxygenated in Sumava National Park and its beautiful forests. In Cesky Krumlov, you are not far from the Austrian border, take advantage of it to go to Linz or Vienna .

7. Experimenting the outdoor theatre

If you have the chance to visit Cesky Krumlov during the summer, you will be able to experience a unique experience: the rotating theatre.

Shows of all kinds – operas, ballets, children's tales or plays – take place outdoors in the castle gardens. The most extraordinary comes from the auditorium, in which the spectators are installed: it turns around the scene during the performance.

8. Taste of bohemian specialties

It is impossible to visit Cesky Krumlov without taking the time to taste regional specialities in one of its many restaurants. The carp ranks first among the specialities of the South Bohemia, as the fish farming is very developed. You will find it stuffed, black, blue... the recipes are very numerous. You can sprinkle it, moderately, with local white wine or beer of course.

Other specialties make a beautiful share of mushrooms, potatoes, cabbages and red fruit. For dessert, opt for doughnuts, slippers or pancakes with blueberry sauce.

9. Growing in the regional museum

What to do in Cesky Krumlov to learn more about the region? The regional museum is all indicated. It presents the popular art of the Sumava region, as well as its history and geological specificities.

The main attraction of this museum, however, is undoubtedly the ceramic replica of the city in the early nineteenth century. Its size is so important that the model occupies an entire piece!

10. Be surprised by the Egon Schiele Museum

Whether you already know Egon Schiele or not, the visit of this private museum will not leave you indifferent. The highly contested Viennese painter lived in Cesky Krumlov in 1911, before being chased.

Indeed, his portraits and his nudes were found to be contrary to morality. The city, however, rehabilitated it, with this private museum, which presents a retrospective of its works.

11. Attend a music festival

Here is another great opportunity to visit Cesky Krumlov during the summer. Every year, for four weeks in July/August, many festivals settle in the city. Music styles are very varied.

This is how you can listen to a classical concert of the 15th century as well as the music of the XXIe. In the baroque theatre of the castle, experimental pieces are given. A great opportunity to discover this jewel.

12. Taste a beer at the Brasserie Eggenberg

It is impossible to visit Cesky Krumov without tasting some of his local beers. The best place for this is probably the Brasserie Eggenberg.

You will discover the secrets of making this ancestral drink, while comparing the different aromas. Finish the visit by a walk in the adjoining garden, which preserves ancient species.

How to get to Cesky Krumlov?

If you live in the east of France, you can consider driving the few thousand kilometers that separate you from Cesky Krumlov. However, for a weekend or short holidays, you have many faster and less tiring ways to get there.

• The plane : from Paris, you have the choice to land in Prague, Linz or Vienna to then reach Cesky Krumlov by renting a car or by borrowing local buses or trains. Since the Czech Republic is a rather affordable destination, consider comparing prices according to your departure dates on a typical flight comparison Ulysses
• The train : from France, you will need about twelve hours, with a change in Linz. From Prague you go to Ceske Budejovice in about two hours, then take the bus, which leaves every hour, to Cesky Krumlov. If you leave Linz, the bus will travel in an hour thirty, three times a day. From Vienna, you will first have to reach Linz in just over an hour.
• The bus : you'll need a little more than sixteen hours to travel from Paris. From Prague, buses are often the best option in three hours.

Where to stay in Cesky Krumlov?

To visit Cesky Krumov, the best is to stay in a hotel or a pension in the old city. You can thus walk through the streets, especially since most of them are forbidden to cars. Guests can also find accommodation in the surrounding areas or villages and travel by bus. Indeed, the offer is wide, from the small family pension to the three-star hotel.

Whatever your budget and your comfort requirement, you'll find it easy to stay in Cesky Krumlov. In summer, it is best to book in advance, using a Compare hotels .

You now have the cards in your hands to visit Cesky Krumlov. Good trip!